An incredible mix of people from all walks of life—from professors, to artists, to musicians, and authors, there is diversity everywhere you look. This is how residents, Peter and Anne Gray describe their home here at Collington. The couple has been part of our community for 2 years, and remain confident in their decision to choose Collington, especially during these trying times.
Both Peter and Anne spent their lives living on the east coast, with Peter growing up in Queens, NY, and Anne in Delaware. The two met in January of 1969 while attending Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and were married not long after. They made a home for themselves on a sprawling 50 acre farm upstate where they had their 2 children, and enjoyed many years of professional success—Peter as a dentist and Anne as a special education teacher.
After 40 joyful years in their family home, and 2 grown children who had moved away, the couple decided it was time for them to look into where they should spend the next phase of their lives. Though they weren’t quite sure where they’d end up, they knew one thing for certain, they wanted to make a plan for themselves so their children would never feel burdened.
Anne was familiar with Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) because her parents and grandparents had both lived in one in their home state of Michigan. Anne was able to get a good grasp on what they can provide, and felt that this type of community would be a perfect fit for Peter and her. She had become familiar with Kendal and the two were able to visit Kendal at Ithaca as well as Kendal at Hanover, but they found something was still missing. Though the properties were lovely, they didn’t feel quite at home. The pair were still far from their children, who were now living in Alabama and Maryland respectively, but in addition, they didn’t find the diversity they were looking for.
Since Maryland was just a short distance from upstate New York, Peter and Anne figured they’d try their luck looking for CCRCs in the Maryland area. They were pleasantly surprised to find that Kendal had another property located nearby, just outside of Washington D.C. The pair made arrangements to visit Collington with their furry third child in tow. The moment they stepped on campus they were immediately impressed. “Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. We even came for a few more visits after and each time we were greeted with the same warm welcome,” stated Anne excitedly. It was no surprise that Peter and Anne quickly fell in love with the campus. They loved the grounds with the miles of walking trails, woods, ponds, and the fact that it was pet friendly. However, what they loved the most was the fact that Collington was able to check off the one box that other CCRC’s couldn’t—it was a community full of diversity. “People at Collington are from all different walks of life,” stated Peter, “there is such an enormous variety of people and it felt like the perfect fit for us.”
Peter, Anne, and their sweet pup have now been living in their Collington cottage for 2 years and feel perfectly at home. After spending 40 years on a 50-acre farm, the transition to their cottage was an easy one. They still have a large space, are blessed with a beautiful view of the hillside covered with wildlife and flowers, and get to share a spacious campus with some of the greatest people they know. Though they aren’t able to participate right now, both Peter and Anne are active members in many different clubs and activities on campus. Peter is a proud participant of the Weed Warriors, and loves to play billiards with his fellow residents. Anne spends her time as a member of the library staff, and also loves participating in aqua-fit water aerobics. With such a wide range of activities offered to them, Peter and Anne both agree they never have to worry about feeling bored.
The pair feel more confident than ever having chosen Collington, seeing the way they have been handling the Covid-19 pandemic. “Collington kept visitors out way before it became a policy in the state,” explained Peter, “they keep us as informed as possible.” Residents get packages and meals delivered right to their doors, so they can stay safe and avoid unnecessary risk. And although this is certainly a trying time for everyone, the couple have found different ways to stay busy. Anne has helped sew masks, they have participated in the virtual exercise classes provided by Collington, and have managed to catch up on some of their favorite shows. Peter and Anne are thankful for the exceptional job Collington is doing to keep them safe, protected and well informed. “All of our needs are met here,” said Anne graciously, “we have no need to go anywhere else.”